By Gary Link
I was nervous. Passing the chanting test would be a big step towards becoming an ordained Higashi Honganji priest. This journey began more than 25 years ago. Continue reading “Making a Commitment”
Becoming ordained
By Gregory Thomas
Receiving ordination from Higashi Honganji was an important step, both for my personnel growth and to help me share the Dharma with people in France.
On a personal level, becoming ordained is an expression of my commitment to Jodo Shinshu and the teachings of Shinran Shonin. It pushes me to study and practice more than ever. It’s a natural outcome of my studies over the past ten years. Continue reading “Becoming ordained”
SDG #4: Quality Education
Buddhist leaders addressed “Quality Education” in an online forum last week, the fourth of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), along with the theme, “What can we do now for our future? Buddhist Perspectives.” Continue reading “SDG #4: Quality Education”
Deathbed Rituals and Jodo Shinshu
Welcoming Descent of Amida Buddha (1668) (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Japanese Buddhist rituals related to death, even today, are misconstrued and muddled in the minds of many and practiced for misunderstood reasons. Looking back at their history can clarify the confusion. Continue reading “Deathbed Rituals and Jodo Shinshu”
New Year’s Day Service
Ring in the new year with a New Year’s Day service. Continue reading “New Year’s Day Service”
Remember: Year End Service
The year-end service at our temples is called “Joya-E.”
At Joya-E, we reflect on events and people of the past year that have shaped our lives. It’s about understanding our karmic conditions and connections, and innumerable links to everything around us. Knowing without them, we could not exist. Consequently it’s a time to express our gratitude and appreciation. Continue reading “Remember: Year End Service”